Harper Government Announces Request for Proposals for Latchford Dam Reconstruction

Public Infrastructure Investment to Replace Latchford Dam

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 13, 2012) - Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) for engineering design services for the replacement of the Latchford Dam has been issued.

"Investments like these demonstrate our Government's continued focus on economic growth and job creation," said Minister Ambrose. "By investing in our public infrastructure, we are not only creating and maintaining jobs locally but also ensuring that Canadians can count on safe and reliable infrastructure."

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada recently announced new investments of approximately $250 million, over the next five years, in Public Works and Government Services Canada-owned infrastructure projects across the country, for a total of $320 million in funding for these assets.

"Our Government continues to make targeted and timely investments in its infrastructure and our region is no exception," said Mr. Aspin. "Maintaining local public infrastructure is important to all of us as it will generate long-term economic benefits for our entire region."

The 100-year-old Latchford Dam is primarily used for maintaining water levels in Bay Lake and providing a source of drinking water for the Town of Latchford. The town's water treatment plant is adjacent to the dam, and a minimum lake level must be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system. Bay Lake is also a recreational waterway used for boating, fishing and other water sports.

Public Works and Government Services Canada is committed to a fair, open and transparent tendering process, which is being conducted through the Government Electronic Tendering System (MERX).